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Panel approves three commission-proposal future-land-use changes; public comment clarifies land-use change is guidance, not a DOT action
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Summary
The Cobb County Planning Commission recommended approval of commission proposals CP3-2 and CP3-3 and later recommended approval of CP3-1 after public commenters asked about a traffic signal; staff clarified the item was a future-land-use change (guidance) and directed commenters to the Department of Transportation for the signal issue.
The Cobb County Planning Commission recommended approval of three commission proposals on Jan. 6, including a future-land-use change for a former church site at Shallowford Road and Wesley Chapel Road after short public comment and clarification from staff.
Philip Westbrook, senior planner with Cobb County Community Development, described CP3-1 as a proposed change in Commission District 3 from 'public institutional' (the site’s former church designation) to 'low density residential.' Two other proposals — CP3-2 and CP3-3 — would move small parcels between low-density residential and public institutional designations.
Commissioner (unnamed in the hearing) moved to approve CP3-2 and CP3-3; the commission voted 4-0 to recommend both to the Board of Commissioners. The hearing then returned to CP3-1 for public comment: two residents were sworn to speak and given three minutes each.
Public comment focused on a traffic signal and a new 'no turn on red' restriction at Shallowford and Wesley Chapel. Jen Bimmerly told the commission she "thought this was more about the light at Shallowford and Wesley Chapel that has ruined my life." Westbrook and the chair clarified that the commission item was a future-land-use change and not a transportation decision, directing Ms. Bimmerly to the Department of Transportation for the signal issue.
Another resident, who identified themself as Fotillo Sutras and said they had recently purchased a house near Allpoint Drive, said they saw the signage and wanted clarification; staff and the chair reiterated that future-land-use designations are guidance and would not trigger immediate development. The chair asked staff to forward commenters’ contact information to the Department of Transportation for follow-up.
Commissioner Dantz moved to approve CP3-1; a second was recorded and the commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval. Westbrook told the commission the Board of Commissioners will consider the recommendations on Jan. 20 for final action.
The hearing included direct quotes from attendees and staff; staff repeatedly emphasized that a future-land-use map change is advisory and does not alter zoning or authorize development.
